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Bradford has become the first city in the country to organise a week of inspirational careers events in both primary and secondary schools. The exciting new initiative, Inspiring Bradford,is designed to raise and broaden the aspirations of young people and provide them with a better understanding of the job opportunities and career routes that are open to them. It is hoped it will form a blueprint for other parts of the country.

The week of high-profile events runs from the 13 to 19 October and each day has a different theme: business and economy, diversity, women in science, the arts and career routes such as apprenticeships and university. It launches on Friday 13October with a Primary Futures event at Beckfoot Heaton Primary School and Nursery and also visits Horton Grange Primary School, Samuel Lister Academy and The National Science and Media Museum.

Also being launched at the event is a three minute film about the importance of role models in primary schools featuring the OECD’s Director of Education, Andreas Schleicher.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union said: “NAHT has been involved with Primary Futures right from the start. Leaving it until secondary school to talk to children about the world of work is too late. Even though employment is years away, it is at primary school where children first begin to dream about what they will become when they are grown up. Primary Futures allows pupils access to a wide range of people who can help to inspire them. Primary Futures events in schools show young learners that anything is possible if they work hard and dream big.”

Carolyn Fairbairn, Director General of the CBI who will be speaking at the launch, said: “Bradford is leading the way in how we educate young people about the exciting world of work. Businesses and schools getting together is something we need to see all over the country, sharing the many opportunities that are available and challenging any misconceptions. Inspiring the Future is a fantastic way for every business to make a difference on social mobility and inspire future talent. Starting early matters and we know children are already making decisions about what they want to do at the age of eight.”

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “Inspiring Bradford is a fantastic partnership initiative and a pioneering way of engaging employers and schools to work together to help young people. It shows the benefit of our Education Covenant and Bradford Pathways initiative in getting businesses and volunteers involved with schools to help our ambition to raise attainment. We’re very grateful to all the volunteers who have offered their time to help inspire our young people.”

Michael Jameson, Bradford Council’s strategic director of children’s services, said: “There are some fantastic things happening in our district to help our young people achieve their potential with numerous organisations all playing their part. Inspiring young people and giving them a vision of what their career might be is so important in helping them stay focused and achieving at school. Inspiring Bradford is a collaborative effort involving teachers, local organisations, community groups, volunteers and employers in the area.”

Nick Chambers, Chief Executive of the Charity Education and Employers, said: “If we're serious about improving social mobility, the issue must be addressed at primary level. Inspiring Bradford is a national first – a truly collaborative effort to get volunteers into both primary and secondary schools and we hope that many other areas of the country will use this as a way of inspiring their young people. The intention is to create a real buzz across the district. This is a week of celebration involving volunteers from all levels – apprentices to CEOs, and from all sectors – archaeologists to zoologists. We hope it will provide real inspiration to young people in Bradford.”